How Was Your Eyelid (Blepharoplasty) Surgery Recovery?

Eyelid surgery, clinical name blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that lifts skin of the eyelids to give the eyes a fresher, more open appearance. It is often done along with a face lift to provide a better overall look. Eyelid surgery can also help improve vision that can be partially obstructed by the sagging skin above the eyes or fatty deposits that pull lower eyelids down. Recovery from blepharoplasty usually takes several days to a week. Your Des Moines IA physician will provide complete instructions and medications to keep you comfortable and prevent infection.

What Happens During Eyelid Surgery?

The incisions are made in the creases of the eye tissue, so that any scaring will be concealed when the incisions are healed. The surgeon will remove loose, excess tissue and then close the area with very fine stitches. Lower lid surgery is done on the line of the eyelashes, where the incision will become invisible after healing. A mid-area face lift is often done at the same time as eyelid surgery to provide the best appearance for the eye area.

Post-Surgery Recovery

The stitches are removed within a few days after surgery A certain amount of swelling and redness around the eyes is normal after surgery, which will persist for a few days to a week. Your doctor will provide eyedrops or ointment to prevent infection and will prescribe pain medications for discomfort. Individuals often experience increased tearing of the eyes for a short time after the procedure, and some blurring of vision can occur, which resolves on its own when healing is well under way. Dryness that may occur in the eyes can be managed with medication from your physician. You will not be able to wear your contact lenses for a few weeks after surgery, so make sure you have eyeglasses on hand for normal activities.

Activity Restrictions

You will be able to return to work after surgery within 10 days to 2 weeks. Your surgeon will advise to limit your physical activity for 3 to 5 days after surgery, and limit vigorous movements that put pressure on eye tissues for several weeks. In general, patients should sleep with their heads elevated with pillows to help reduce swelling around the eye area.

Concealing Bruises

The tissues around the eyes are very delicate and can show bruising after the surgical procedure. Your doctor will advise you on when to use ice packs to reduce bruising and swelling in the incision area. After a week or 10 days, you can use concealing makeup to hide any discoloration in the area where the surgery was done.

If you are considering eyelid surgery, contact Dr. Greg Ganske in Des Moines IA to discuss surgical options that will improve your appearance and give you greater confidence.